The company behind Britain's only pay-as-you-go motorway has announced it is putting up its prices.

Motorcyclists and cars will have to pay 50p extra to use the M6 Toll while cars with trailers, vans and HGVS face a £1 rise.

The increases, to take effect from 6am on Tuesday June 14, mean motorcyclists will pay £2.50 to travel the 27-mile motorway during the day, while the rate for cars will be £3.50 and £7 for all other vehicles.

But new applicants for the road's pre-paid Tag scheme - which allows drivers to pass through toll booths without stopping - are being offered discounts.

Tom Fanning, managing director of toll operator Midlands Expressway Limited, said: "This is the first increase we've made to the standard rate since the road opened in December 2003.

"We believe the new toll schedule remains excellent value for money. There are no plans to review the standard toll prices again during the next 12 months."

Meanwhile, a new £6 million bypass link opens today which will give thousands of drivers new access to the toll motorway.

The final section of Burntwood's bypass gives the Staffordshire town a direct link to the toll route and the national motorway network. Students from the town's Chasetown Specialist Sports College will join councillors and VIP guests at an opening ceremony this afternoon when drivers start using the new route.

"It's great that the kids will be opening the bypass as this is for their future," said Staffordshire County Council leader Terry Dix.

"The bypass will make a massive difference to the area. It will protect and improve the local environment while attracting more jobs and investment."

The latest milelong stretch of road is the third section of the route which was first planned more than 30 years ago.

Highway planners hope the motorway link will attract big firms to move into the area and create jobs. The bypass will also clear traffic congestion that has plagued routes through the town for years.